My Plasma Table

[modfan]

I finally got my plasma table up and running. Still getting everything cutting better but it's close.

[T-Man 1066]

What is underneath it to catch the slag?

And what are you using for CAM? Freecad?

[Inor]

THAT is cooler than cool!

Did you design the whole setup? I keep going back and forth on whether I want to build a CNC router. Then I try to learn Freecad and default back to: "I better stick to hand tools".

[Hawg]

Very cool!

[T-Man 1066]

THAT is cooler than cool!

Did you design the whole setup? I keep going back and forth on whether I want to build a CNC router. Then I try to learn Freecad and default back to: "I better stick to hand tools".

I actually really like Freecad. Im on V1.1.0 and its getting pretty darn good for 3d modeling. I am getting deeper into the CAM side of it, trying to generate good G-code for my mills.

Any questions you have feel free to PM me.

[Inor]

Everybody that uses it regularly seems to really like it. I just cannot get my head around where to start with it. I even bought a book on it and worked through the examples in the book. I was able to follow the book and understood it, but the example was about doing mechanical drawings and trying to figure out how to translate that into designing cabinets or furniture just didn't mesh with my brain for some reason. I'm sure I am just missing some basic 101-level thing with it and once I figure that out, I'll be off and running. But right now, I am not even sure what that "basic thing" is or the right question to ask. - Great frustration with it!

[T-Man 1066]

Building a 3D model in "Part Design" workbench is fairly straightforward. Sketch, Pad, Pocket, etc. Not too bad. I found that the "Assembly" workbench to build leaves alot to be desired. I Use the "A2+" workbench. It seems to manage constraints a whole lot cleaner.

[modfan]

It's Langmuir Crossfire Pro 4'X3' table with automatic torch height controller, a Everlast 62i plasma cutter. It came with a stainless-steel water pan to catch slag. I use AutoCAD LT and Sheet Cam. The hardest part so far was setting up air pressure and cut speed. I think I have a handle .25 steel now.

[T-Man 1066]

I kicked around buying one, or building one. Around here we have so many shops that have CNC plasma, or CNC oxy tables, or lasers, it doesn't make sense to have my own. Within 30 miles from me, I have suppliers that can torch cut 6"+ thick, stock up to 10' X 40', laser, waterjet, whatever. Howard metals in Milwaukee can precision saw aluminum up to 4" thick, 8' x 32'.

What little I do, I will joust out-source it and stay with what I do well, which is making chips. (Note my avatar!)

[modfan]

I bought it for retirement. When I retire, I have a number of people who need simple things cut, 3"X3" square plate. I figure instead PLC programming and repair. I can just sit on the porch and draw things.